Kevin Furst, social media manager at Shawnee Mountain Ski Area, said, "Years ago, our event was part of a weeklong Winter Carnival started by the Pocono Mountain Vacation Bureau. When carnival week ended, we kept doing our events and rolled it all into one day."

Coca-Cola and Budweiser share in the sponsorship of the free event. Call 570-421-7231 for details.

A craftsman from Sculpted Ice Works will transform a 300-pound block of ice into a giant ice throne in front of the festival crowd. Skiers, riders, tubers and Shawnee Mountain guests will be able to take photos in the giant ice throne when it is completed, Furst said.

"We will have a special 'Learn to Ski or Ride' offer that day," Furst said. The $59 ski or snowboard package includes a first-time lesson, lift ticket and ski or snowboard rental.

Two highlights of the carnival will be the performance of a synchronized skiing demonstration by the Shawnee Mountain Junior Development Race Team and NASTAR racing, which is held every Saturday and Sunday on the Upper Tomahawk Race Trail from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. NASTAR was developed by SKI Magazine in 1968 and is the largest recreational ski and snowboard race program in the world.

Rob Leiser, president of the Mack Ski Club in Allentown, said that NASTAR racing takes place at more than 125 ski areas nationwide. Synchronized skiing has become one of the more popular annual demonstrations.

"A group of kids ski down together in a closely grouped line executing tight radius turns synchronized at the same time. The trail used is quite steep, which adds to the drama of the activity," said Paul McDonald, a coach for the race team program for the Shawnee Mountain Junior Development Race Team.

"The best part of Winter Carnival Day is seeing the base area come to life with activities for skiers, snowboarders, snow tubers and mountain guests. The Winter Carnival adds another level of winter fun for our guests," Furst said.